A curve has equation y = 7 - 2x^5. a) Find dy/dx. b) Find an equation for the tangent to the curve at the point where x=1.

a) The derivative dy/dx of the equation is: dy/dx = -10x4. If you don't remember this, revise Power Rule for derivatives.b) The equation of a line is given by y = mx + q. To find the tangent line at a point, we need: 1) Find the slope of the line by substituting that point in the equation of the derivative m = dy/dx (x=1) = -10. 2) Solve the system between the curve and the line at x=1 to find q. We find q=15. The equation of the line is therefore: y = -10x + 15

GC
Answered by Gianpiero C. Maths tutor

7697 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

When dealing with trigonometric functions such as sin, cos or tan, how do you solve the trigonometric equation when the argument of the function(s) is nx, where n is a real number not equal to 1.


If y = 2(x^2+1)^3, what is dy/dx?


The curve C has equation y = 3x^4 – 8x^3 – 3 (a) Find (i) dy/dx (ii) d^2y/dx^2 (3 marks) (b) Verify that C has a stationary point when x = 2 (2marks) (c) Determine the nature of this stationary point, giving a reason for your answer. (2)


Given that y=sin2x(3x-1)^4, find dy/dx


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning